US7298416B2 - Photographing apparatus capable of data communication with external equipment - Google Patents

Photographing apparatus capable of data communication with external equipment Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US7298416B2
US7298416B2 US10/438,711 US43871103A US7298416B2 US 7298416 B2 US7298416 B2 US 7298416B2 US 43871103 A US43871103 A US 43871103A US 7298416 B2 US7298416 B2 US 7298416B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
section
communication
communication cable
photographing apparatus
power supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US10/438,711
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20030216089A1 (en
Inventor
Takeshi Uryu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Konica Minolta Inc
Original Assignee
Konica Minolta Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Konica Minolta Inc filed Critical Konica Minolta Inc
Assigned to KONICA CORPORATION reassignment KONICA CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: URYU, TAKESHI
Publication of US20030216089A1 publication Critical patent/US20030216089A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US7298416B2 publication Critical patent/US7298416B2/en
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00278—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2101/00—Still video cameras
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/001—Sharing resources, e.g. processing power or memory, with a connected apparatus or enhancing the capability of the still picture apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0034—Details of the connection, e.g. connector, interface
    • H04N2201/0036—Detecting or checking connection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0034—Details of the connection, e.g. connector, interface
    • H04N2201/0044—Connecting to a plurality of different apparatus; Using a plurality of different connectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0034—Details of the connection, e.g. connector, interface
    • H04N2201/0048—Type of connection
    • H04N2201/0049—By wire, cable or the like

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a photographing apparatus connected to another electronic device and power supply method.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • the USB Standard has come into widespread use as an interface standard for communication between a personal computer and its peripheral equipment connected thereto.
  • the USB Standard was worked out by a plurality of business companies and has come to be released to the public.
  • the personal computer works as a host machine, while the digital camera as peripheral equipment acts as a slave.
  • the personal computer as a host provides power required for communications between two pieces of equipment.
  • the USB OTG (On The Go) Standard for connection among pieces of peripheral equipment is established.
  • peripheral equipment working merely as a slave under the USB Standard is provided with the functions of a host. This allows the peripheral equipment to be connected with other peripheral equipment without the aid of a personal computer, whereby communications are established among different pieces of peripheral equipment.
  • image data can be transferred to the printer for printing by connection between the digital camera and a printer, the image data can be recorded into the storage apparatus of the PDA by connection between the digital camera and a PDA, or the network can be accessed by connection between the digital camera and cellular phone, so that image data can be sent directly from the digital camera.
  • peripheral equipment When peripheral equipment is connected to another piece of peripheral equipment, one of them functions as a host while the other works as a slave, so power required for communications is supplied from the host to the slave. Accordingly, when the digital camera is used as a host for example, power required for communications is supplied from the digital camera.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus that ensures an effective supply of power for communications carried out by connection between pieces of peripheral equipment.
  • the present invention provides:
  • a photographing apparatus capable of data communications with equipment connected via a communications cable and supplying power thereto, this photographing apparatus comprising:
  • a connecting section for connecting a communications cable
  • connection detecting means for detecting connection of the aforementioned communications cable with the connecting section
  • identification means for identifying photographing operation currently being performed
  • power supply control means for making control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable when the aforementioned connection detecting means has detected that the communications cable is connected, and the aforementioned identification means has identified photographing operation currently being performed.
  • a photographing apparatus capable of data communications with equipment connected via a communications cable and supplying power thereto, this photographing apparatus comprising:
  • a connecting section for connecting a communications cable
  • setting means for setting a mode by selecting from a mode group consisting of at least a camera mode for photographing operation and a communications mode for performing operations related to data communications with the aforementioned equipment;
  • power supply control means for supplying power to the communications cable when the communications mode has been set up by the aforementioned setting means.
  • a photographing apparatus capable of data communications with equipment connected via a communications cable and supplying power thereto, the aforementioned photographing apparatus further capable of functioning as a host or slave with respect to this equipment, wherein this photographing apparatus comprises;
  • connection detecting means for detecting connection of the aforementioned communications cable with either the first or second connecting means
  • power supply control means for supplying power to the communications cable when the connection detecting means has detected connection of the communications cable with the first connecting means.
  • a photographing apparatus capable of data communications with equipment connected via a communications cable and supplying power thereto, this photographing apparatus comprising:
  • a connecting section for connecting a communications cable
  • warning output means for issuing a warning when the aforementioned state checking means has checked that a driver is not built in the connected equipment, or the power consumption of the connected equipment is not less than a predetermined value.
  • a photographing apparatus capable of data communications with equipment connected via a communications cable and supplying power thereto, this photographing apparatus comprising:
  • a connecting section for connecting a communications cable
  • warning output means for issuing a warning when the aforementioned state checking means has checked that the connected equipment is not enabled.
  • FIG. 1 is a drawing representing an external configuration of a digital camera 100 as a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the configuration of the major portions of the digital camera 100 given in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing representing the external configuration of a communications cable 20 connected to an OTG connector 11 in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing the processing of power supply carried out by the control section 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a drawing representing the external configuration of the digital camera 200 as a second embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a flow chart representing power supply processing 2 carried out by a control section 3 in the second embodiment
  • FIG. 7 is a drawing representing the external configuration of the digital camera 300 as a third embodiment
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram representing the configuration of the major portions of the digital camera 300 given in FIG. 7 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart representing power supply processing 3 carried out by a control section 3 in the third embodiment.
  • the identification means, power supply control means, display control means, communications identification means, communications control means, battery remaining time detecting means, control means, warning output means, state checking means and identification means according to the present invention are controlled by the control section 3 mounted digital cameras 100 to 300 in the first to third embodiments.
  • the function of the connection detecting means according to the present invention is realized by the OTG connector 11 of the digital cameras 100 and 200 or the host connector 12 and slave connector of the digital camera 300 .
  • the first connecting means according to the present invention corresponds to the host connector 12 of the digital camera 300
  • second connecting means corresponds to the slave connector 13 .
  • the display means of the present invention corresponds to a display section 7 of the present embodiment
  • the setting means of the present invention corresponds to a selector switch 6 a of the present embodiment
  • the mode setting means of the present invention corresponds to the selector switch 6 b of the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view representing an external configuration of a digital camera 100 as the first embodiment.
  • a power key, shutter key and various selector keys are arranged as input units 6 on the top surface of the digital camera 100 .
  • a data display unit is arranged as display units 7 thereon.
  • a lens 1 is arranged at the center of the front.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the configuration of the major portions of the digital camera 100 .
  • the digital camera 100 comprises a lens 1 , CCD 2 , control section 3 , memory 4 , external memory 5 , input section 6 , display section 7 , power source 8 , host controller 9 and slave controller 10 , OTG connector 11 and other components.
  • the lens 1 comprises a fixed-focal-length lens using a dioptric element, a double focal lens allowing focal distance to be switched in two stages and a zoom lens allowing continuous change of the focal distance.
  • This lens 1 permits convergence of the pencil of light rays entering from the outside, and allows an optical image to be formed on the light receiving unit of the CCD2 to be described later.
  • the CCD Charge Coupled equipment
  • the CCD comprises a pixel surface where multiple elements (pixels) composed of transfer electrodes stacked in layers are arranged in a planar form on the light receiving unit of the semiconductor element (photodiode, etc.) with its electric storage capacity changed in conformity to the entry of light (photon), and an output unit for changing the electric charge stored in each pixel into voltage and outputting it.
  • the light incoming through the lens 1 is received on the aforementioned pixel surface and the electric charges proportional to the amount of received light is stored.
  • the electric charge stored in each pixel is read out from the output unit as a pickup signal (analog signal) sequentially for each pixel, and is converted into image data (digital data) in an A/D converter (not illustrated) to be issued from the control section 3 .
  • the control section 3 develops in the work area of a memory 4 a program specified out of various programs corresponding to the digital camera 100 recorded in the memory 4 , and various instructions or data entered from the input section 6 .
  • the control section 3 implements processing of various kinds in conformity to the aforementioned program according to the entered instruction and data, stores the result of processing in a predetermined area inside the memory 4 , and displays it on the display section 7 .
  • the control section 3 reads out the power supply processing program stored in the memory 4 and carries out the processing of power supply (see FIG. 4 ) to be described later.
  • the control section 3 checks if photographing operation is currently performed or not, if the OTG connector 11 has detected connection of the communications cable 20 to perform communications with peripheral equipment.
  • the photographing operation should be interpreted to mean the operations related to photographing such as zoom lens drive, photographing of a subject, image processing, charging of a stroboscopic lamp, AE (Automatic Exposure), AF (Automatic Focusing) and recording of data onto a recording medium. But it does not include the operation of showing an image or the like on display.
  • the control section 3 Having determined that the photographing operation is currently performed, the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the connected communications cable 20 . If it has determined that the photographing operation is not currently performed, the control section 3 checks if image data is displayed on the display section 7 or not. If the image data is displayed, the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is supplied to the connected communications cable 20 . At the same time, it allows the image data to be shown on the display section 7 .
  • the memory 4 comprises a RAM (Random Access Memory) composed of a rewritable semiconductor element, a ROM (Read Only Memory) composed of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory and the like.
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • the basic programs that need not be rewritten are stored in the ROM.
  • the RAM develops the program responsible for control processing and temporarily stores the data to be processed.
  • the external memory 5 comprises such a nonvolatile memory as rewritable flash memory that electronically stores the data in the semiconductor equipment, and associates and stores the image data generated by various types of processing and information related to photographing.
  • the external memory 5 is shown as an external memory that is removably mounted on the digital camera 100 , but it can be configured as a memory that can be built in the digital camera 100 .
  • the input section 6 comprises a power key, a shutter key, a selector key, a zoom key and others. It generates various operation signals in conformity to the operation of pressing each key, and sends them to the control section 3 .
  • the display section 7 composes a color liquid crystal display and others. It comprises a liquid crystal display and an image display unit for displaying color images on the display screen based on the image signal entering from the control section 3 . It also comprises a data display unit that generates and displays the information to be displayed according to the control signal coming from the control section 3 .
  • the power source 8 comprises a primary battery such as an alkali battery, manganese battery and button battery, and a secondary battery such as a lithium battery, nickel battery and NiCad battery.
  • the power supply unit 8 supplies power of a predetermined voltage to the drive circuit for driving various parts of the digital camera 100 and communications cable 20 from the positive and negative terminals.
  • the host controller 9 provides communications control of the signals input or output through the OTG connector 11 for the spraying equipment of a printer, PDA or cellular phone, for example.
  • the host controller 9 has functions of providing multiple types of communications procedures (data transmission speed, data compression procedure, error detection procedure, etc.). Prior to communications, it checks the communications procedure supported by the other end, and adopts the optimum communications procedure to provide communications control.
  • the slave controller 10 When a digital camera 100 works as a slave, the slave controller 10 provides communications control of the signals input or output through the OTG connector 11 for host equipment such as power consumption, for example.
  • the slave controller 10 has functions of providing multiple types of communications procedures. Prior to communications, it checks the communications procedure supported by the other end, and adopts the optimum communications procedure to provide communications control.
  • the OTG connector 11 is provided with a V-BUS terminal 11 a as a power supply output terminal, a D+terminal 11 b and a D ⁇ terminal 11 c as signal input/output terminals, a GND terminal 11 d for grounding, and an identification terminal 11 e for checking if the equipment at the other end is a host or slave.
  • the OTG connector 11 Upon detecting the connection of communications cable 20 , the OTG connector 11 sends a connection detection signal to the control section 3 . It also inputs and/or outputs the signals coming via the D+terminal and/or D ⁇ terminal from or to the slave controller 9 . In response to the control of the host controller 9 , it also provides power for communications from the V-BUS terminal.
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing representing the external configuration of the communications cable 20 connected to the OTG connector 11 .
  • a connector is arranged on each side of the communications cable 20 . These connectors are linked to the OTG connector 11 and the connector of the peripheral equipment, respectively.
  • the connector linked to the OTG connector 11 is provided with a V-BUS terminal 20 a as a power input terminal, D+ 20 b and D ⁇ 20 c as signal input/output terminals, a GND terminal 20 d for grounding and an identification terminal 20 e , correspondingly to the aforementioned terminals 11 a through 11 e respectively.
  • the following description is based on the assumption that the program for processing described in the following flow chart is stored in the memory 4 in the form of a program code that can be read by the control section 3 of the digital camera 100 , and the control section 3 sequentially performs the operations in response to the program code.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing the processing of power supply carried out by the control section 3 of the digital camera 100 .
  • a connection detection signal is sent to the control section 3 from the OTG connector 11 .
  • decision is made to see if the photographing operation is performed or not (Step 2 ).
  • the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 (Step S 3 ), and terminates the processing of power supply.
  • Step S 2 When the photographing operation is not performed (Step S 2 ; NO), the control section 3 checks if an image is being displayed or not (Step 4 ). If it is currently being displayed (Step S 4 ; YES), the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is supplied to the communications cable 20 , and terminates the processing of power supply. Further, if an image is not being displayed (Step 4 ; NO), the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is supplied to the communications cable 20 (Step S 6 ). It also allows image data to be displayed on the display section 7 (Step S 7 ), and terminates the processing of power supply.
  • the digital camera 100 comprising a host function is connected with peripheral equipment through a communications cable 20 to transfer data between them, detection is made to check that the communications cable 20 for connection with the peripheral equipment is connected. If the digital camera 100 is currently in the mode of photographing operation, power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 . If the digital camera 100 is not in the mode of photographing operation, power is supplied to the communications cable 20 , and, at the same time, image data is displayed on the display section 7 .
  • the digital camera 100 as a host when the digital camera 100 as a host is connected to peripheral equipment, power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 in the photographing operation mode where data communication is not performed, thereby ensuring an effective use of the power of the digital camera 100 and reducing the power for communications. Further, before the start of data communication with peripheral equipment, the image data to be sent is displayed on the display section 7 . This allows the user to perform data communications while checking the image data on the display section 7 , with the result that the convenience of custom is greatly improved.
  • the operation of the digital camera 100 given in the aforementioned processing of power supply is only an example, and should not be considered as being restricted thereto.
  • the first embodiment is arranged in such a way that power is supplied to the communications cable 20 if the connection of the communications cable 20 is detected while an image appears on the display.
  • the first embodiment is arranged in such a way that power is not supplied when connection of the communications cable 20 has been detected with an image appearing on the display, and is supplied when the instruction has been entered to print out the image appearing on the display section 7 . Namely, when the print button has been pressed to enter the printing instruction while an image is displayed, the digital camera 100 supplies power to the communications cable 20 to which the printer is connected.
  • the displayed image data to be printed is sent to a printer through the communications cable 20 , and is printed out by the printer. This allows the power for communications to be supplied immediately when communications start instruction is entered, and eliminates the waste of power, thereby making a significant contribution to power saving of the digital camera 100 .
  • the digital camera 200 in the second embodiment is arranged in almost the same configuration as the digital camera 100 in the first embodiment.
  • the portions having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment will be assigned with the same reference numerals in the drawings. They will not be described to avoid duplication.
  • FIG. 5 is a drawing representing the external configuration of the digital camera 200 .
  • the digital camera 200 consists of a digital camera 100 , plus a selector switch 6 a for selecting the communications mode or camera mode. Either the communications mode or camera mode can be selected by selecting this selector switch 6 a to a predetermined position and locking it thereon, whereby photographing processing or communications processing can be performed.
  • the peripheral equipment linked to the OTG connector 11 has a host connector that is electrically linked to the identification terminal 11 e of the OTG connector 11 .
  • the equipment to be connected has a slave connector that is not electrically linked to the identification terminal 11 e of the OTG connector 11 .
  • the OTG connector 11 sends to the control section 3 the connection detection signal containing the information on the presence or absence of the identification terminal 11 e .
  • the control section 3 checks if the host function or slave function is requested.
  • “communications cable 20 a ” signifies a communications cable to be connected when the digital camera 200 works as a host
  • “communications cable 20 b ” signifies a communications cable to be connected when the digital camera 200 works as a slave.
  • Communicationations cable 20 means either one of them.
  • control section 3 performs processing of power supply 2 (See FIG. 6 ) to be described later as the processing characteristic of the second embodiment.
  • the control section 3 checks whether or not the connected peripheral equipment requires the host function in response to the connection state of the identification terminal 11 e , if connection of the communications cable 20 has been detected by the OTG connector 11 when the communications mode is selected by the selector switch 6 . If the connected peripheral equipment requires the host function, i.e. when the peripheral equipment is a slave with a host connector linked thereto, the control section 3 functions as a host and supplies power to the communications cable 20 a.
  • the control section 3 When the control section 3 has started to supply power to the communications cable 20 a , it conducts negotiation to be predetermined through exchange of information on communications conditions, etc. between the connected pieces of equipment and checks whether or not the connected equipment is enabled for communications.
  • the connected equipment is not enabled for communications in the following cases where; (1) the connected equipment is a mouse, keyboard or the like not equipped with a driver, (2) the power consumption of the equipment exceeds the predetermined level, or (3) the connected equipment is disabled by a trouble or power interruption. If the connected equipment is not enabled for communications, the control section 3 allows an alarm such as an error message to be displayed on the display section 7 , and turns off the power of the digital camera 200 after the lapse of a predetermined time.
  • control section 3 further checks whether or not the connected equipment is a printer. If it is a printer, the image data is shown on the display section 7 prior to starting communications.
  • FIG. 6 is a flow chart representing power supply processing 2 carried out by the control section 3 of the digital camera 200 .
  • the control section 3 checks whether or not the communications mode is selected by the selector switch 6 aa (Step S 11 ). If the communication mode is selected (Step S 11 ; YES), it checks whether or not the connection has been detected by the OTG connector 11 (Step S 12 ).
  • Step S 12 When the connection of the communications cable 20 has been detected by the OTG connector 11 (Step S 12 ; YES), the control section 3 checks whether or not the host function is requested, depending on the connection state of the identification terminal 11 e . If the host function is requested (Step S 13 ; YES), i.e. if the connected equipment is a slave, the control section 3 controls the power supply unit 8 to supply power to the communications cable 20 a (Step S 14 ) and starts negotiation with the connected equipment (Step S 15 ).
  • Step S 16 the control section 3 checks whether or not the connected equipment is enabled for communication by negotiation. If the connected equipment is enabled for communications (Step S 16 ; YE), the control section 3 checks whether or not this equipment is a printer (Step S 17 ). If the equipment is not a printer (Step S 17 ; NO), it terminates the processing of power supply 2 . If the equipment is a printer (Step S 17 ; YES), the control section 3 allows the image data to be displayed on the display section 7 (Step S 18 ), and terminates the processing of power supply 2 .
  • Step S 16 If the connected equipment is not enabled for communications (Step S 16 ; NO), the control section 3 allows the warning to be displayed on the display section 7 (Step S 19 ). A predetermined time after display of the warning (Step S 20 ; YES), the drive power of the digital camera 100 is turned off (Step S 21 ) and the processing of power supply 2 terminates.
  • Step S 11 if the communications mode is not selected (Step S 11 ; NO), the communications cable 20 is not connected to the OTG connector 11 (Step S 12 ; NO) or host function is not requested from the connected equipment (Step S 13 ; NO), then the control section 3 terminates the processing of power supply 2 without supplying power to the communications cable 20 .
  • the digital camera 200 comprises a selector switch 6 a for selecting either the communications mode for communications processing or camera mode for photographing.
  • the communications mode is selected, the communications cable 20 is connected to the OTG connector 11 and the host function is requested, then power is supplied to the connected communications cable 20 .
  • a warning message is given on the display section 7 and the drive power of the digital camera 100 is turned off after the lapse of a predetermined time.
  • this arrangement calls attention of the user in such a way as to ensure immediate disconnection or immediate recover of the connected equipment, thereby permitting immediate solution of the trouble.
  • the control section 3 does not allow power to be sent to the communications cable 20 . If power supply is not required, this arrangement stops supply of power from the digital camera 200 , thereby ensuring an effective use of the power of the digital camera 200 and reducing the power.
  • the digital camera 300 in the third embodiment is arranged in almost the same configuration as the digital camera 100 in the first embodiment.
  • the portions having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment will be assigned with the same reference numerals in the drawings. They will not be described to avoid duplication.
  • FIG. 7 is a drawing representing the external configuration of the digital camera 300 .
  • the digital camera 300 consists of a digital camera 100 , plus a selector switch 6 b for selecting the camera mode, host mode or slave mode. Any one of the camera mode, host mode and slave mode can be selected by selecting this selector switch 6 b to a predetermined position and locking it thereon, whereby photographing processing or communications processing can be performed.
  • the digital camera 300 further comprises a host connector 12 and slave connector 13 .
  • the communications cable 20 can be connected either to the host connector 12 or slave connector 13 in conformity to the function requested by the connected equipment. Accordingly, the host connector 12 and slave connector 13 without the aforementioned identification terminal 11 e are provided with four terminals; a V-BUS terminal 11 a as a power output terminal, a D+terminal 11 b and a D ⁇ terminal 11 c as signal input/output terminals, and a GND terminal 11 d for grounding.
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram representing the configuration of the major portions of the digital camera 300 .
  • the digital camera 300 is characterized by comprising a host connector 12 and a slave connector 13 .
  • the host connector 12 is used when the digital camera 300 works as a host.
  • a detection signal is sent to the host controller to show that the slave equipment has been connected.
  • the slave connector 13 is used when the digital camera 300 works as a slave.
  • connection of the communications cable 20 has been detected, a detection signal is sent to the slave controller to show that the host equipment has been connected.
  • the control section 3 performs processing of power supply 3 (See FIG. 9 ) to be described later as the processing characteristic of the third embodiment.
  • the control section 3 determines the mode selected on the mode selector switch 6 b . If the camera mode is selected on the selector switch 6 b , the control section 3 checks if photographing operation is currently performed or not. If photographing operation is currently performed, the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 even if connection of the host connector 12 and slave connector 13 has been detected. When the camera mode is selected and the image data is shown on the display section 7 , the control section 3 assumes that the operation other than photographing operation is performed. When the connection of the host connector 12 has been detected, the control section 3 provides control to ensure that power is supplied to the communications cable 20 a.
  • the control section 3 checks if the communications cable 20 a has been connected to the host connector 12 or not. If connection of the host connector 12 has been detected, the control section 3 provides control to ensure that power is supplied to the communications cable 20 a . If the host mode is selected and the connection of the communications cable 20 b to the slave connector 13 has been detected, then the control section 3 issues a warning signal to the display section 7 and provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 b.
  • control section 3 When the control section 3 has started supply of power to the communications cable 20 a in the host mode, it allows image data to be displayed on the display section 7 , and starts communications with the equipment connected through the host connector 12 . If a communications cable 20 is connected to the slave connector 13 while power is fed to the communications cable 20 a through the host connector 12 , then the control section 3 checks whether or not communications are exchanged with the equipment connected through the host connector 12 . If there is no communication, the control section 3 suspends supply of power to the communications cable 20 a . If there is communication, the control section 3 checks if the communication has terminated or not. If the communication has terminated, the control section 3 stops supply of power to the communications cable 20 a , and exchanges communications with the equipment connected through the slave connector 13 .
  • the control section 3 checks if the communications cable 20 b is connected to the slave connector 13 or not. If connection of the slave connector 13 has been detected, the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 b . When the slave mode is selected and the communications cable 20 a has been connected to the host connector 12 , the control section 3 issues a warning signal to the display section 7 , and provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 a.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart representing power supply processing 3 carried out by the control section 3 of a digital camera 300 .
  • the control section 3 checks whether or not the camera mode is selected by the selector switch 6 aa (Step S 31 ). If the camera mode is selected (Step S 31 ; YES), it checks whether or not photographing operation is currently performed (Step 42 ). If the photographing operation is currently performed, the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 (Step 45 ), and terminates processing of power supply 3 . If the camera mode is not selected (Step S 42 ; NO), for example, if processing of image data display is going on, the system proceeds to Step S 33 .
  • Step 31 the control section 3 checks if the host mode is selected or not (Step S 32 ). If the host mode is not selected (Step S 32 ; NO), i.e. if the slave mode is selected, the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 (Step S 45 ), and terminates the processing of power supply 3 .
  • Step S 32 If the host mode is selected (Step S 32 ; YES), the control section 3 checks if the communications cable 20 a is connected to the host connector or not. If the communications cable (USB cable) 20 a is not connected to the host connector 12 (Step S 33 ; NO), the control section 3 checks if the communications cable (USB cable) 20 b is connected to the slave connector 13 or not (Step S 43 ). If the communications cable 20 b is connected to the slave connector 13 (Step S 43 ; YES), the control section 3 issues a warning signal to the display section 7 (Step S 44 ), and at the same time, provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 b (Step S 45 ), thereby terminating the processing of power supply 3 .
  • Step S 33 When the communications cable 20 a is connected to the host connector 12 (Step S 33 ; YES), the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 a (Step S 34 ), and at the same time, allows image data to be displayed on the display section 7 (Step S 35 ). Further, the control section 3 starts communications with the equipment connected through the host connector 12 (Step S 36 ).
  • Step S 37 the control section 3 checks if the communications cable 20 b is connected to the slave connector 13 (Step S 37 ). If the communications cable 20 b is connected to the slave connector 13 (Step S 37 ; YES), the control section 3 checks if communications are exchanged with the equipment connected through the host connector 12 (Step S 38 ). If there is no communication, (Step S 38 ; NO), the control section 3 provides control in such a way that power is not supplied to the communications cable 20 a (Step 40 ).
  • Step S 38 If communications are exchanged with the equipment connected through the host connector 12 (Step S 38 ; YES), the control section 3 checks if the communication has terminated or not (Step S 39 ). If the communication has terminated (Step 39 ; YES), the control section 3 provides control to stop supply of power to the communications cable 20 a (Step S 40 ). The control section 3 allows communications with the equipment connected through the slave connector 13 , and terminates the processing of power supply 3 .
  • the digital camera 300 is provided with a selector switch 6 b for selection among the camera mode, host mode and slave mode, a host connector 12 for connection with slave equipment, and a slave connector 12 for connection with host equipment.
  • a selector switch 6 b for selection among the camera mode, host mode and slave mode, a host connector 12 for connection with slave equipment, and a slave connector 12 for connection with host equipment.
  • the equipment is connected through the connector in conformity to the requested function.
  • This arrangement permits power to be supplied to the communications cable 20 a only when necessary.
  • the control section 3 does not allow power to be supplied to the communications cable 20 a , thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption. Power is not supplied when the communications cable 20 a is not connected to the host connector 12 even when the host mode is selected, or when there is no communication even when the communications cable 20 a is connected. This arrangement reduces power consumption.
  • a warning signal is displayed on the display section 7 if the communications cable 20 b is connected to the slave connector 13 when the host mode is selected, or if communications cable 20 a is connected to the host connector 12 when the slave mode is selected.
  • This arrangement calls attention of the user to start immediate communication.
  • image data is displayed on the display section 7 . This allows easy checking of the image data to be sent, and permits communication with the connected equipment.
  • the operation of the digital camera 300 given in the aforementioned processing of power supply 3 shows only an example without being restricted thereto.
  • the communications cable 20 b is connected through the slave connector 13 while power is supplied to the communications cable 20 a connected through the host connector 12 , supply of power is suspended after confirming the termination of communication with the communications cable 20 a .
  • priority is given to the case where the digital camera 300 works as a slave, thereby reducing the power consumption of the digital camera 300 .
  • a battery remaining charge detector (not illustrated) to detect the remaining charge of the battery provided on a power source 8 ; it detects the remaining charge of the battery when a host mode is selected by the selector switch 6 b , and a warning is given on the display section 7 if the remaining battery charge is below a predetermined level, thereby ensuring that the digital camera 300 does not work as a host.
  • this arrangement permits priority to be given to the drive processing of the digital camera 300 .
  • the user is immediately notified of the shortage of battery remaining chage, with the result that the convenience of the user is much improved.
  • the present invention provides a photographing apparatus that exchanges data communications with peripheral equipment connected via a communications cable and supplies power thereto, wherein, in conformity to the function required by connected peripheral equipment, decision is made to determine whether or not power should be supplied to the communications cable. Only when necessary, power for communication is supplied to the communications cable, thereby reducing the unwanted power consumption and ensuring an effective use of the power source of the photographing apparatus.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)
US10/438,711 2002-05-20 2003-05-14 Photographing apparatus capable of data communication with external equipment Expired - Fee Related US7298416B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2002144857A JP2003338980A (ja) 2002-05-20 2002-05-20 撮影装置
JPJP2002-144857 2002-05-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030216089A1 US20030216089A1 (en) 2003-11-20
US7298416B2 true US7298416B2 (en) 2007-11-20

Family

ID=29417086

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/438,711 Expired - Fee Related US7298416B2 (en) 2002-05-20 2003-05-14 Photographing apparatus capable of data communication with external equipment

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US7298416B2 (enExample)
JP (1) JP2003338980A (enExample)
CN (1) CN1477439A (enExample)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060257135A1 (en) * 2005-05-11 2006-11-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and imaging system
US20080160811A1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2008-07-03 Dunstan Robert A Automatic configuration of an interface to a host or client
US20090160946A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 Sony Corporation Image pickup apparatus, communication control method, and program
US20100223415A1 (en) * 2009-03-01 2010-09-02 Qualcomm Incorporated Remote memory access using reversible host/client interface
US9735535B2 (en) 2001-05-03 2017-08-15 Asml Netherlands B.V. Drive laser for EUV light source
US20200045188A1 (en) * 2018-08-01 2020-02-06 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Power receiving apparatus, control method thereof and storage medium

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI258290B (en) * 2003-08-18 2006-07-11 Primax Electronics Ltd System and method for displaying data with a mobile phone
TWI239748B (en) * 2003-08-18 2005-09-11 Primax Electronics Ltd Transferring apparatus for transferring images captured by a digital camera to a mobile phone
JP2005338183A (ja) * 2004-05-24 2005-12-08 Toshiba Corp 情報機器および同機器の表示制御方法
TWI257806B (en) * 2005-02-05 2006-07-01 Lite On It Corp Camcorder and method of recording thereof
JP2007102444A (ja) * 2005-10-04 2007-04-19 Seiko Epson Corp 電子機器、電子機器の制御方法および制御プログラム
JP4921200B2 (ja) * 2007-02-21 2012-04-25 キヤノン株式会社 電子機器
JP2009205637A (ja) * 2008-02-29 2009-09-10 Seiko Epson Corp Ｕｓｂ装置、印刷装置、ｕｓｂ装置の制御方法及びそのプログラム
JP5645438B2 (ja) * 2010-03-25 2014-12-24 キヤノン株式会社 給電装置及び給電方法
JP5293756B2 (ja) * 2011-02-14 2013-09-18 株式会社ニコン インターフェースシステム及びデュアルロールデバイス装置
JP5854334B2 (ja) * 2013-10-11 2016-02-09 カシオ計算機株式会社 操作システム、消費電力制御方法、操作装置、電子機器、及びプログラム
CN111240148B (zh) * 2019-12-27 2021-08-10 北京航空航天大学 一种基于自适应变焦相机的全息实时获取与投影系统

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5784581A (en) * 1996-05-03 1998-07-21 Intel Corporation Apparatus and method for operating a peripheral device as either a master device or a slave device
US6233689B1 (en) * 1994-09-29 2001-05-15 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. Communication circuit having network connection detection capability
US20010012071A1 (en) * 1997-02-27 2001-08-09 Hideshi Oeda Image recording and reproducing apparatus
US20020154224A1 (en) * 2001-04-18 2002-10-24 Konica Corporation Photographing system
US20030030412A1 (en) * 2001-08-10 2003-02-13 Seiko Epson Corporation Power control circuit, electronic instrument, and charging method
US20040041913A1 (en) * 2002-04-26 2004-03-04 Shinya Takasumi Image-printing system, digital camera and printer
US6774935B1 (en) * 1998-10-26 2004-08-10 Minolta Co., Ltd. Digital camera
US6810481B1 (en) * 1999-09-01 2004-10-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Electronic device, control method therefor, and storage medium providing power supply control function
US6965404B2 (en) * 2000-07-24 2005-11-15 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image recording device, image input device, and data processor, image recording method, and storage medium recording image record control program

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6233689B1 (en) * 1994-09-29 2001-05-15 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. Communication circuit having network connection detection capability
US5784581A (en) * 1996-05-03 1998-07-21 Intel Corporation Apparatus and method for operating a peripheral device as either a master device or a slave device
US20010012071A1 (en) * 1997-02-27 2001-08-09 Hideshi Oeda Image recording and reproducing apparatus
US6774935B1 (en) * 1998-10-26 2004-08-10 Minolta Co., Ltd. Digital camera
US6810481B1 (en) * 1999-09-01 2004-10-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Electronic device, control method therefor, and storage medium providing power supply control function
US6965404B2 (en) * 2000-07-24 2005-11-15 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image recording device, image input device, and data processor, image recording method, and storage medium recording image record control program
US20020154224A1 (en) * 2001-04-18 2002-10-24 Konica Corporation Photographing system
US20030030412A1 (en) * 2001-08-10 2003-02-13 Seiko Epson Corporation Power control circuit, electronic instrument, and charging method
US20040041913A1 (en) * 2002-04-26 2004-03-04 Shinya Takasumi Image-printing system, digital camera and printer

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9735535B2 (en) 2001-05-03 2017-08-15 Asml Netherlands B.V. Drive laser for EUV light source
US7546033B2 (en) * 2005-05-11 2009-06-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and imaging system
US20060257135A1 (en) * 2005-05-11 2006-11-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and imaging system
US20090214197A1 (en) * 2005-05-11 2009-08-27 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and imaging system
US7684693B2 (en) * 2005-05-11 2010-03-23 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Imaging apparatus and imaging system
US20080160811A1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2008-07-03 Dunstan Robert A Automatic configuration of an interface to a host or client
US7597592B2 (en) * 2006-12-27 2009-10-06 Intel Corporation Automatic configuration of an interface to a host or client
US20090160946A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 Sony Corporation Image pickup apparatus, communication control method, and program
US8077206B2 (en) * 2007-12-21 2011-12-13 Sony Corporation Image pickup apparatus, communication control method, and program
US7970976B2 (en) * 2009-03-01 2011-06-28 Qualcomm Incorporated Remote memory access using reversible host/client interface
US20100223415A1 (en) * 2009-03-01 2010-09-02 Qualcomm Incorporated Remote memory access using reversible host/client interface
US20200045188A1 (en) * 2018-08-01 2020-02-06 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Power receiving apparatus, control method thereof and storage medium
US10873673B2 (en) * 2018-08-01 2020-12-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Power receiving apparatus, control method thereof and storage medium

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1477439A (zh) 2004-02-25
US20030216089A1 (en) 2003-11-20
JP2003338980A (ja) 2003-11-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7298416B2 (en) Photographing apparatus capable of data communication with external equipment
US7315323B2 (en) Digital camera using an indicating device to indicate a plurality of functions
KR100965876B1 (ko) Ｕｓｂ를 이용한 배터리 충전장치 및 이를 구비하는디지털 카메라
US6774935B1 (en) Digital camera
EP0982937B1 (en) Image pickup apparatus provided with interchangeable lenses
CN1331016C (zh) 图像拾取设备
JP4434501B2 (ja) デジタルカメラ、クレードル及びカメラシステム
US6753921B1 (en) Camera and camera system
US6362851B1 (en) Digital camera with separate function and option icons and control switches
US8300133B2 (en) Imaging apparatus
JP2003264737A (ja) 撮像通信システム
US20060023070A1 (en) Camera system, camera main body, and camera head
WO2009078295A1 (en) Image processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
JP3784589B2 (ja) 携帯機器
CN100357824C (zh) 打印系统和构成该系统的打印机及数字照相机
JP2003110899A (ja) デジタルカメラのクレードル装置
JP4971718B2 (ja) 撮像装置
US20050200335A1 (en) Apparatus
JP2005244633A (ja) クレードル
US5923373A (en) Communication system for communicating between two microcomputers
JP2001117542A (ja) 撮像装置、その起動方法および記憶媒体
JP2003230082A (ja) バッテリ駆動型電子機器
JP3741438B2 (ja) 通信装置及びその制御方法
JP2003228443A (ja) バッテリ駆動型電子機器
JP2005064900A (ja) 携帯機器及び携帯機器システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: KONICA CORPORATION, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:URYU, TAKESHI;REEL/FRAME:014087/0337

Effective date: 20030423

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20111120